Foam construction toy

ABSTRACT

A foam construction toy may utilize a plurality of nodes, studs, and structural elements to construct a toy or an object. For example, the toy may include at least one node having a plurality of holes and at least one structural element configured to connect to the at least one node. The toy may also include at least one stud configured to connect the at least one structural element with the at least one node to form the toy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/612,722, filed on Mar. 19, 2012. The subject matter of the earlier filed Provisional Patent Application is incorporated herein by its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a toy, and more particularly, to a construction toy using structural elements connected by reconfigurable nodes.

BACKGROUND

Currently, there are construction toys that allow a user, such as a child. to build structures using structural components. However, these components are generally not flexible in nature, and may be limited in design capabilities.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide solutions to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully identified, appreciated, or solved by current construction toys. For example, a construction toy in some embodiments may utilize a plurality of nodes, studs, and structural elements to construct a toy or an object.

In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes at least one node having a plurality of holes, and at least one structural element that is configured to connect to the at least one node. At least one stud is used to connect the at least one structural element with the at least one node.

In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of structural elements. Each of the plurality of structural elements are configured to connect to each other using a node-stud assembly or a connector unit. The node-stud assembly comprises a node having a plurality of holes and a stud configured to connect a structural element with the node. The connector unit configured to connect a first structural element with a second structural element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of certain embodiments of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. While it should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a foam construction toy forming a shape of a cube, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a foam construction toy forming a shape of a house, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1C illustrates a foam construction toy forming a shape of a ship, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1D illustrates a foam construction toy forming a shape of a tunnel, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1E illustrates a foam construction toy forming a shape of a rectangle with a cover, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a node-stud assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates a foam member attachment system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates a foam member attachment system having a partial stiffening tube, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C illustrates a foam member attachment system having a stiffening stud, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates a lawn anchor with a stud, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates a lawn anchor with an interface, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4C illustrates a lawn anchor with a stud and an interface, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4D illustrates a lawn anchor with an adapter and node, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an application of a lawn anchor assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of a stud, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a stud with grooves, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A-C illustrates multiple views of a stud with tabs, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a top view and a front view of a foam member attachment system using first and second sets of locking mechanisms, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a top view and a front view of a stud, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a top view and a front view of a two-piece connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a connector assembly system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a construction toy 100 using, for example, foam members 106 for structural members connected by reconfigurable nodes. See, for example, FIGS. 1A-1D. In one embodiment, a pool noodle is a typical example of a foam member 106. While this application discusses the use of foam elements, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that any suitable structural element may be used to construct the toy. For example, foam members 106 may be composed wood, plastic material, etc. Foam members 106 may be connected to one another via a node 102. A stud 104 is used to connect foam member 106 to node 102. This allows construction of a wide variety of projects, shapes, and configurations.

Some projects can be used for practical purposes, and others may be used simply for artistic purposes. The need fulfilled by this construction toy in some embodiments is to provide a fun and educational experience for children, and possibly adults. This construction toy may help children to visualize three-dimensional structures with a practical aspect not normally found in other toys. For instance, the construction toy can be configured into a soccer goal, a playhouse, a lemonade stand, a volleyball net, and many more items.

For example, construction toy 100 may be configured to form a cube (see FIG. 1A), a house (see FIG. 1B), a ship (see FIG. 1C), a tunnel (see FIG. 1D), or any shape that would be readily appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In FIG. 1E, for example, construction toy 100 may include a hook 108, allowing a string 110 to wrap around hook 108, such that a panel 112 may be affixed to a side of construction toy 100.

The embodiments of the present invention may utilize reconfigurable joints, use the elastic properties of the foam to accomplish the connections, and the system as a whole may allow many different outcomes. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, construction toy 100 may include nodes 102, studs 104, foam members 106, and panels 112.

FIG. 2 illustrates a node-stud assembly 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, node-stud assembly 200 includes a node 202 and a stud 206.

In certain embodiments, node 202 may be a rectangular element, a triangular element, or any shape or design that would be readily appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Node 202 may be composed of plastic material, wood, etc., and may include a plurality of holes 204 to allow reception of stud 206. It should be appreciated that each of the plurality of holes 204 may include grooves (not shown) to allow stud 206 to screw on.

Stud 206 may include an attachment unit 208, such as a threaded interface to operably connect with node ball 202. Collar 210 acts as a stopper to prevent a foam member (see FIG. 3A) from moving closer to node 202 when connecting node 202 to the foam member. A bearing ring 214 may also be utilized to stabilize node ball 202 when node 202 is attached to stud 206.

Located between bearing ring 214 and collar 210 is a recessed groove 216. Recessed groove 216 allows a panel, or other accessories, to be attached to the construction toy. This may be an alternative embodiment to that shown in FIG. 1E. Further, an elongated portion 212 of stud 206 may be inserted into the foam member. See, for example, FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3A illustrates a foam member attachment system 300, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a node 302 is connected to a stud 304 to form a node-stud unit. The node-stud unit may be inserted into a foam member 306. When the node-stud unit is inserted into foam member 306, the connection between stud 304 and foam member 306 utilizes friction to secure stud 304 within a hollow section 308 of foam member 306.

It should be appreciated that foam member 306 includes a taper 310 to allow for a larger, more compact surface area, and to allow additional foam members to connect to node 302. For example, FIG. 3C shows a plurality of foam members 306 connected to node 302 in a more compact manner.

Because foam members 306 may vary in size, the structural integrity may be compromised for foam members 306 that are larger than a certain size, depending on the material. To resolve this issue, hollow section 308 may include a partial stiffening tube 312 to prevent foam member 306 from bending, providing structural integrity. See, for example, FIG. 3B. Stiffening tube 312 may have a stiffness configured to increase or decrease the amount of stiffness in foam member 306. This may be applied to longer foam members.

In other embodiments, to increase the stiffness throughout foam member 306, hollow section 308 may include a stiffening tube 312 throughout. See FIG. 3C, for example. This allows for more rigidity at the ends of foam member 306. Because a stiffening tube 312 is placed throughout hollow section 308, stud 304 may slide in and out of foam member 306, potentially compromising the construction toy. To prevent stud 304 from sliding, a gripping member 314 may be utilized. Gripping member 314 may be composed of material such as foam, vinyl, rubber, etc. This allows stud 304 to maintain position within hollow section 308 of foam member 306 unless stud 304 is removed by a user.

FIG. 4A illustrates a lawn anchor 400 with a stud 406, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, lawn anchor 400 includes a stake 402 configured to be inserted into the lawn, sand, or other suitable medium. A collar 404 is utilized to prevent a foam member, when attached to stud 406, from moving forward. See, for example, the description related to FIG. 5 below.

In certain embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 4B, lawn anchor 400 may include an interface 408 to allow a stud 406 to be attached to lawn anchor 400. This allows for the lawn anchor assembly to be completely assembled as a single unit. See, for example, FIG. 4C. Other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 4D, may include an adapter 410 that can be situated between interface 408 and node 412. Stated differently, adapter 410 allows a node 412 to connect with interface 406 to complete the lawn anchor assembly.

FIG. 5 illustrates an application of a lawn anchor assembly 500, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Lawn anchor assembly 500, in this embodiment, includes two stakes 502 at each end of foam member 510 forming, for example, a tunnel. Collar 504 allows stake 502 to be inserted a predefined distance into lawn 520. Also attached to stake 502 is a stud 506 similar to that shown in FIG. 4C. Stud 506 may be inserted into a hollow section 512 of foam member 510.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of a stud 600, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Stud 600 may include a threaded interface 602 to allow stud 600 to screw on, and securely attach to, a node. Contact surface 604 is configured to secure the seating of stud 600 on the receiving surface of the node. Recessed groove 606 may allow a panel, or other accessories, to be attached to stud 600. A collar 608, as discussed above, may be utilized to act as an axial stop when a foam member is attached to elongated portion 610. Elongated portion 610 of stud 600 may include a contact surface providing sufficient frictional holding force when inserted into the hollow portion of the foam member.

FIG. 7 illustrates a stud 700 with grooves 704, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Because the design described herein relies primarily on friction to hold stud 700 and a foam member together, the air pressure within the foam member can affect the holding force. The air pressure, however, can also hinder the insertion of stud 700 into the foam member. To reduce some of the air pressure upon insertion and still retain this holding force, a plurality of grooves 704 can be placed on an elongated portion 702 of stud 700.

FIGS. 8A-C illustrate multiple views of a stud 800 with tabs 802, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, stud 800 includes tabs 802 to allow stud 800 to be removed from a foam member in an efficient manner when pressed by the user.

Fish bones 806 are located on the inner side of elongated member 804, creating air pockets 808 between fish bones 806. Air pockets 808 allow each fish bone 806 to act as a spring, enabling elongated member 804 to easily slide into the foam member. Essentially, as elongated member 804 slides into the foam member, each fish bone 806 is compressed between elongated member 804 and central spine 808. Once elongated member 804 is inserted into the foam member, each fish bone 806 is configured to retract into position, causing elongated member 804 to firmly press against the inner walls of the foam member. This allows the holding force to be maintained in an axial direction.

It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the outer surface of elongated member 804 may have a textured surface configured to secure stud 800 within the foam member. This prevents stud 800 from falling out of the foam member and improves the integrity of the construction toy.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a top view and front view of a foam member attachment system 900 using a first set of locking mechanisms 908 and a second set of locking mechanisms 916, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a node 902 having a plurality of holes 904 may be connected to a foam member 918 via a stud. Each component of the stud is described in more detail in FIG. 10.

A hollow portion 920 of foam member 918 includes a solid surface 922 with an annular groove 924 near the opening of foam member 918. Annular groove 924 in this embodiment allows flexibility when constructing the toy. When elongated portion 914 of the stud is inserted in hollow portion 920 of foam member 918, a second set of locking mechanisms (e.g. stud locking mechanism) 916 slide into annular groove 924 to stabilize, and prevent movement of, elongated portion 914 of the stud within foam member 918.

In order to remove the stud from foam member 918, a second set of tabs 912B is utilized. For example, when a user applies pressure to second set of tabs 912B, second set of locking mechanisms 916 is configured to slide out of annular groove 924 to allow the stud to be removed from foam member 918.

Also, in order to secure the stud within node 902, the stud may include a first set of locking mechanisms 908 to prevent node 902 from detaching from the stud. However, in order to release the stud from node 902, a first set of tabs 912A is utilized. For instance, when a user applies pressure or force to first set of tabs 912A, first set of locking mechanisms 908 is configured to compress, allowing the stud to be removed from a hole of node 902. It should also be appreciated that first set of locking mechanisms 908 do not touch, and may be proximate to collar 910. See FIG. 10 below for a more detailed description of the stud.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a top view and front view of a stud 1000, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Stud 1000 may be made of three separate components, i.e., a first clip attachment 1002 to secure stud 1000 to a node, a second stud attachment 1008 to secure stud 1000 to a foam member, and an internally threaded collar (e.g., a nut) 1016 to secure stud 1000 to the node.

First clip attachment 1002 in this embodiment includes a first set of locking mechanisms 1004 and a first set of tabs 1006. As discussed above, first set of locking mechanisms 1004 is configured to secure stud 1000 against the node. Further, when the user applies pressure to first set of tabs 1006, first set of locking mechanisms 1004 is configured to compress, allowing stud 1000 to be removed from the node.

Second clip attachment 1008 in this embodiment includes a second set of locking mechanisms 1010, a second set of tabs 1012, and a threaded section 1014. Similar to FIGS. 9A and 9B, second set of locking mechanisms 1010 are configured to secure second clip attachment 1008 within a hollow section of the foam member. When the user applies pressure to second set of tabs 1012, second set of locking mechanisms 1010 is configured to release second clip attachment 1008 from the hollow section of the foam member. Threaded section 1014 is configured to securely connect first clip attachment 1002 and second clip attachment 1008 to collar 1016 to form stud 1000.

FIG. 11 illustrates a connector assembly 1100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector assembly (or connector unit) 1100 includes two studs—a first stud 1102A and a second stud 1102B, and a collar 1104. This allows two foam members to connect to each other via connector assembly 1100 to extend the length of the foam members. In certain embodiments, multiple connector assemblies may be used to extend the foam members. Because the foam members may be configured to float in water, this connector assembly may be particularly useful in a pool, where a plurality of foam members may be connected together and used as lane markers.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a top view and a front view of a two-piece connector assembly 1200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, two-piece connector assembly 1200 includes a first stud 1202 and a second stud 1208, each stud 1202, 1208 is configured to be inserted into a foam member. First stud 1202 may include a first set of tabs 1204 and a first set of locking mechanisms 1206, and second stud 1208 may include a second set of tabs 1210 and a second set of locking mechanisms 1212.

FIG. 13 illustrates a connector assembly system 1300, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, two foam members 1302, 1308 are connected to each other via a two-piece connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a first stud 1320 and a second stud 1330. First stud 1320 is connected to first foam member 1302 and second stud 1330 is connected to second foam member 1310.

In order to secure first stud 1320 and second stud 1330 within hollow portions 1304, 1312 of foam members 1302, 1310, respectively, locking mechanisms 1324, 1334 are configured to slide into annular grooves 1308, 1316 when first stud 1320 and second stud 1330 are inserted into foam members 1302, 1310, respectively. To release first stud 1320 and second stud 1330, tabs 1322, 1332 may be pressed, causing locking mechanisms 1324, 1334 to slide out of annular grooves 1308, 1316.

One or more embodiments of the present invention pertain to a foam construction toy. The foam construction toy may include at least one node and a plurality of foam members configured to connect with the at least one node to form a structural element. A stud may be used to connect each of the plurality of foam members to the at least one node.

It will be readily understood that the components of the invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the detailed description of the embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention.

The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of “certain embodiments,” “some embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations that are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. An apparatus, comprising: at least one node comprising a plurality of holes; at least one structural element configured to connect to the at least one node; and at least one stud configured to connect the at least one structural element with the at least one node to form the apparatus.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one structural element comprises a hollow section configured to receive an elongated portion of the at least one stud.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hollow section comprises a partial stiffening tube configured to increase structural stiffness of the at least one structural element.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hollow section comprises a stiffening tube throughout the hollow section of the at least one structural element, and gripping material affixed to the stiffening tube, the gripping material configured to secure the elongated portion of the at least one stud.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hollow portion comprises a solid material near an opening of the at least one structural element, the solid material comprising an annular groove configured to secure the elongated portion of the at least one stud.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one stud comprises an elongated portion configured to slide into a hollow section of the at least one structural element.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the elongated section comprises a set of locking mechanisms configured to slide into an annular groove within the hollow section of the at least one structural element to secure the elongated portion within the hollow section of the at least one structural element.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one stud comprises a set of tabs configured to release the set of locking mechanisms from the annular groove when pressure is applied to the set of tabs.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one stud comprises a threaded interface configured to operably connect to one of the plurality of holes on the at least one node.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one stud comprises an interface comprising a set of locking mechanisms configured to secure the at least one stud when the interface is inserted in one of the plurality of holes.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one stud comprises another set of tabs configured to compress the set of locking mechanisms and release the at least one stud from the at least one apparatus.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one stud comprises a bearing ring configured to stabilize the at least one node when attached to the at least one stud.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one stud comprises a recessed groove located between an interface and collar, the recessed groove configured to allow accessories to be attached to the apparatus.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one stake configured to be inserted into a medium.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: an adapter configured to be connected to the at least one stake via a stake interface, and to connect to the at least one stud or the at least one node.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: at least one connector unit configured to connect two structural elements together.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one connector unit comprises a first elongated member and a second elongated member, the first elongated member configured to be inserted into a hollow section of one of the at least one structural elements and the second elongated member configured to be inserted a hollow section of another of the at least one structural elements.
 18. An apparatus, comprising: a plurality of structural elements, each of the plurality of structural elements are configured to connect to each other using a node-stud assembly or a connector unit, wherein the node-stud assembly comprises a node having a plurality of holes and a stud configured to connect a structural element with the node, and the connector unit configured to connect a first structural element with a second structural element. 